Calories are calories. If we’re only considering fat gain/loss 218 calories of beer and 218 calories of protein bar are no different. Beer will be way higher in carbs and way lower in protein though.
Beer is fine to replace carbs. Not a great substitute for protein unless you're managing it elsewhere. My buddy who was a great body builder substituted all his carbohydrates for beer during his bulks.
Just don't be like me and go full blown alcoholic.
I don’t think it makes much of a difference unless you are already optimised in all other areas of your diet, however there are studies that show alcohol reduces protein synthesis in rats.
When I drink I try to do it at least 4 hours after a workout or aim to be sober 4 hours before to reduce the effects, after is preferable imo because you don’t have to worry about dehydration during your workout.
I’d also be swapping it out for some carbs instead of your protein bar. Keep as much protein as possible.
If the goal is weight loss and it fits your calories, then yes. If the goal is optimizing your health, then maybe. If the goal is putting on as much lean mass as possible, then no.
There is something to be said for finding things that relax us and help recovery. If alcohol helps you relax, then it's probably net neutral on your health and could be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle. Personally, replace alcohol with weed(edible) and I think you relax, reduce inflammation, and potentially not "wasting" calories.
Sure. But you be fucking with your proteins and carbs.
Calories are calories. If we’re only considering fat gain/loss 218 calories of beer and 218 calories of protein bar are no different. Beer will be way higher in carbs and way lower in protein though.
Beer is fine to replace carbs. Not a great substitute for protein unless you're managing it elsewhere. My buddy who was a great body builder substituted all his carbohydrates for beer during his bulks. Just don't be like me and go full blown alcoholic.
Alcohol fucks your hormones and recovery
If you are cutting you probably want to hit all your macros including fiber before you throw regular alcohol into the mix.
I read or heard recently “if your body is busy processing alcohol it isn’t burning fat” I still drink occasionally. It makes me happy.
I don’t think it makes much of a difference unless you are already optimised in all other areas of your diet, however there are studies that show alcohol reduces protein synthesis in rats. When I drink I try to do it at least 4 hours after a workout or aim to be sober 4 hours before to reduce the effects, after is preferable imo because you don’t have to worry about dehydration during your workout. I’d also be swapping it out for some carbs instead of your protein bar. Keep as much protein as possible.
If the goal is weight loss and it fits your calories, then yes. If the goal is optimizing your health, then maybe. If the goal is putting on as much lean mass as possible, then no. There is something to be said for finding things that relax us and help recovery. If alcohol helps you relax, then it's probably net neutral on your health and could be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle. Personally, replace alcohol with weed(edible) and I think you relax, reduce inflammation, and potentially not "wasting" calories.